The world pays tribute to the King of Pop

The ceremony was by turns somber, evangelical, thunderous and hushed. There was humor, as well. Former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson recounted how his nervous first visit to Jackson's mansion ended with the pair sitting on the floor and feasting on Kentucky Fried Chicken; Brooke Shields, who was an especially moving speaker, told how she used to tease Jackson about his most famous fashion choice, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Reacting Jackson death Stevie Wonder said: "This is a moment that I wish that I didn't live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel - and we do - that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more."

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said that “Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael's life was beautiful," Telegraph.co.uk reports.

The most touching moment of the ceremony was Jackson's 11-year-old daughter speech. Paris-Michael tentatively approached the microphone and said: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," Paris Jackson, 11, said, marking the first time the world has ever heard her voice.

"And I just want to say I love him so much," The Associated Press reports.

Not that long ago, American soldiers would train their skills to counter insurgent and partisan military organizations. These days, they are trained to show resistance to the regular army of a potential adversary